I think I've nailed the source of this disconnect. I don't say it's a 4 hour assignment and then get mad when people don't spend longer, or filter our anyone who does well in the four hours. I go solely by the code I'm given. It's just that around 30% or applicants or so clearly spend longer because the assignment is so well done. That is all. I'm guessing this end result would happen with any amount of time I specify, be it 6, 9 or 20 hours.
Some people just really put effort in, and as I said in my top comment others don't. Often those others don't for valid reasons-- they have an offer on the table, they want another job more, etc. As I've said in other comments, I have no way of knowing who has put in more time (aside from Git history which isn't a clear picture, but indicative), nor would I create a malicious metric. Also, I clearly stated that I viewed this as a con of our hiring process. I'd love a clearer way to even out the time, but barring bringing in some more stressful process like some timed app or timed challenge, I don't think I can.
Say what you want, but rewarding folks who spent more time isn't disrespectful to other people who didn't. No job is a first come first serve scenario, you're both assessing each other on a variety of things, and it would be unfair of me to disregard people who excel out of fairness to those who don't.
Some people just really put effort in, and as I said in my top comment others don't. Often those others don't for valid reasons-- they have an offer on the table, they want another job more, etc. As I've said in other comments, I have no way of knowing who has put in more time (aside from Git history which isn't a clear picture, but indicative), nor would I create a malicious metric. Also, I clearly stated that I viewed this as a con of our hiring process. I'd love a clearer way to even out the time, but barring bringing in some more stressful process like some timed app or timed challenge, I don't think I can.
Say what you want, but rewarding folks who spent more time isn't disrespectful to other people who didn't. No job is a first come first serve scenario, you're both assessing each other on a variety of things, and it would be unfair of me to disregard people who excel out of fairness to those who don't.